Itamandi EcoLodge

Our Amazon adventure begins at the Arajuno Bridge, where we board a motorized canoe for a 20-minute journey upriver through the lush tropical forest to Itamandi Eco Lodge. As we navigate the winding river, you'll be captivated by the enchanting beauty of the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lifeblood of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). 

Upon arrival at the Itamandi Eco Lodge dock, our friendly staff will greet you. You'll then relax in the lounge with a refreshing tropical snack. One of our naturalist guides will provide a brief orientation about the lodge and its activities. Then we have a night hike in the jungle, bring a flashlight and camera to capture the sounds and sights of bats, owls, insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs, and more creatures. Clear skies reveal countless stars.

After breakfast, we embark on a walk through both primary and secondary forests, an activity that lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, immersing us in the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we delve into a cultural experience with a visit to an Amazonian Kichwa community. Here, we'll learn about their unique way of life and how they interact with the jungle. This encounter reveals aspects of the Amazon not found on maps, showcasing the daily lives of its people. Part of our visit includes sharing the famous "chicha," a fermented yucca drink integral to their festivities and daily routines. We'll participate in preparing this drink and sample traditional dishes. The visit concludes with a traditional dance performed by the community's children, and we'll have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts made by local artisans, supporting the indigenous people's daily lives.

We take a 40-minute canoe ride to visit "Anaconda Island," where we can spot the prehistoric Hoatzin bird, squirrel monkeys, and woolly monkeys, among others. We'll also meet a family from an indigenous community to learn about their farming practices, medicinal plants, and ancestral hunting methods using blowguns and handmade traps.

In the afternoon we will visit the Amazoonico, a rescue center for various Amazonian animals, some endangered. Unlike a zoo, Amazoonico provides a sanctuary where we can observe these animals up close in their natural habitat, gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and the conservation efforts to protect them.

Early in the morning, we embark on a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to visit the Saladero de Parrots. This special spot attracts parrots and parakeets, who come to consume the mineral-rich clay that aids in digesting the fruits and seeds they've eaten. Watching hundreds of these vibrant birds gather in the treetops before descending to the clay wall is a truly unique experience. Bringing binoculars will enhance your enjoyment of this magnificent natural spectacle.

Our tour concludes at 9:30 am with a 20-minute motorized canoe ride back to the Arajuno bridge. 

Please note that the visit to the Saladero de Aves is weather-dependent.